Five of the HEAF research team have just returned to the UK after attending the major international PREMUS (Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders) conference that was held in Bologna, Italy.

Delegates attended from far and wide: Europe, Australia, North and South America, India and the Far East and included both research scientists and health professionals. The conference is held every 3 years and provides a great opportunity for us to meet other international research groups and discuss our findings from the HEAF study, particularly with regard to musculoskeletal pain and older workers.

This year, our lead scientist, Karen Walker-Bone was invited to deliver a keynote speech about the challenges of frailty and working to older ages and included our HEAF results. Other team members gave further presentations using HEAF study data throughout the conference. These included the effect of weight and musculoskeletal pain on a person’s ability to work to older ages and also the impact of caring responsibilities and a person’s health. We are delighted to report that there was considerable interest shown in the HEAF study by our international colleagues. Once again, it is only thanks to you, the participants that we are able to carry out this vital research and present our findings. Thank you!